Definition and Nature
God's righteous indignation refers to His holy and just anger towards sin and unrighteousness. Unlike human anger, which can be tainted by sin and selfishness, God's indignation is pure, measured, and rooted in His perfect holiness and justice. It is an expression of His moral perfection and His commitment to uphold the standards of righteousness.

Biblical Foundation
The concept of God's righteous indignation is woven throughout the Scriptures, illustrating His response to sin and rebellion. In the Old Testament, God's anger is often depicted in response to the idolatry and disobedience of His people. For instance, in Exodus 32:10, after the Israelites worship the golden calf, God says to Moses, "Now leave Me alone so that My anger may burn against them and consume them. Then I will make you into a great nation."

The prophets frequently spoke of God's indignation as a warning to the people. In Isaiah 13:9, the prophet declares, "Behold, the Day of the LORD is coming—cruel, with fury and burning anger—to make the earth a desolation and to destroy the sinners within it."

In the New Testament, God's righteous indignation is evident in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself displayed righteous anger when He cleansed the temple, driving out those who were defiling it with commerce (John 2:15-17). The apostle Paul also speaks of God's wrath against ungodliness and unrighteousness in Romans 1:18: "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people who suppress the truth by their wickedness."

Attributes of God's Indignation
1. Holiness: God's indignation is rooted in His holiness. He cannot tolerate sin, as it is contrary to His nature. Habakkuk 1:13 states, "Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; You cannot tolerate wrongdoing."

2. Justice: God's anger is just and fair. He judges sin according to His righteous standards. Psalm 7:11 affirms, "God is a righteous judge and a God who feels indignation every day."

3. Patience and Longsuffering: While God is righteous in His indignation, He is also patient, giving people time to repent. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

4. Redemptive Purpose: God's indignation serves a redemptive purpose, aiming to bring people back to righteousness. Hebrews 12:6 explains, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives."

Manifestations in History
Throughout biblical history, God's righteous indignation has been manifested in various ways, including the Flood (Genesis 6-9), the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), and the Babylonian exile (2 Kings 25). Each of these events served as a demonstration of God's intolerance for sin and His desire for His people to return to Him.

Eschatological Fulfillment
The ultimate expression of God's righteous indignation will be seen in the eschatological judgment. Revelation 19:15 describes the return of Christ, stating, "Out of His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty."

Implications for Believers
Believers are called to understand and respect God's righteous indignation, recognizing it as an aspect of His divine character. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance. Romans 5:9 offers hope, stating, "Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!" Through faith in Christ, believers are spared from God's wrath and are called to live in a manner that reflects His righteousness.